Taxes in Reading, Pennsylvania
Complete tax guide for Reading, PA. State income tax up to 3.07%, 1.93% property tax, 6% sales tax. Calculate your total tax burden.
State Income Tax
3.07%
Pennsylvania
Property Tax
1.93%
Effective rate
Sales Tax
6%
Combined rate
Tax Burden
Moderate
Reading, PA Tax Overview
Reading city earned income tax of 3.6%; among highest in PA outside Philly
Population
95,112
Median Income
$33,715
Cost of Living
82.3 (100 = avg)
State Income Tax
3.07%
Local Income Tax
3.6%
Median Home Price
$95,000
Reading Tax Calculator
Pre-filled with Reading median: $33,715
Total Tax Burden in Reading
$6,835
Take-Home: $26,880 · Effective Rate: 20.27%
Federal Tax
$2,007
5.95% eff.
PA State + Local
$2,249
6.67% eff.
FICA
$2,579
7.65% eff.
Take-Home
$26,880
79.73% kept
Tax Breakdown
| Item | Annual | Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Income | $33,715.00 | $2,809.58 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$2,007.30 | -$167.28 |
| Pennsylvania State Tax | -$1,035.05 | -$86.25 |
| Reading Local Tax (3.6%) | -$1,213.74 | -$101.15 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$2,090.33 | -$174.19 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$488.87 | -$40.74 |
| Take-Home Pay | $26,879.71 | $2,239.98 |
Property Tax in Reading
Median Home
$95,000
Annual Tax
$1,833
Monthly Tax
$153
Effective Rate
1.93%
Sales Tax in Reading
Combined Rate
6%
State Portion
~3.5%
Local Portion
~2.5%
The combined sales tax rate in Reading is 6%, which is below the national average of 7.12%. On a $100 purchase, you would pay $6.00 in sales tax.
Tax Burden Comparison
| Tax Type | Reading | Pennsylvania Avg | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Income Tax | 3.07% + 3.6% | 3.07% | 4.6% |
| Property Tax | 1.93% | ~1.93% | 1.1% |
| Sales Tax | 6% | ~6% | 7.12% |
| Overall Burden | Moderate | — | Moderate |
About Taxes in Reading
Reading has a population of approximately 95,112 residents with a median household income of $33,715. The cost of living index is 82.3 (17.7% lower than the national average of 100).
Local context: Reading city earned income tax of 3.6%; among highest in PA outside Philly
Tax burden classification: Moderate. Effective combined tax rate of 27.8% includes federal, state, FICA, property, and sales taxes for a typical Reading household.
Official Tax Resources for Pennsylvania
For authoritative Pennsylvania tax forms, filing deadlines, and the latest legislative updates, consult these official government resources:
- Pennsylvania Department of Revenue — official state revenue agency
- Pennsylvania Individual Income Tax Forms — current tax year forms and instructions
- IRS Federal Tax Forms and Instructions — federal income tax filing
Tax Saving Tips for Reading Residents
- Pennsylvania's income tax rate of 3.07% is competitive. You may still benefit from maximizing 401(k) contributions ($23,500 limit) to reduce your taxable income at both state and federal levels.
- Reading has a local income tax of 3.6%. If you work remotely, verify whether you owe city tax based on where you work or where you live. Some cities only tax people who work within city limits.
- Property tax in Reading (1.93%) is above the national average. Check if you qualify for homestead exemptions or assessment appeals to reduce your property tax bill.
- Use a Health Savings Account (HSA) if eligible. Contributions are tax-deductible ($4,400 individual, $8,750 family), growth is tax-free, and withdrawals for medical expenses are tax-free.
Other Cities in Pennsylvania
Philadelphia
HighPittsburgh
HighAllentown
ModerateErie
LowScranton
ModerateBethlehem
ModerateLancaster
ModerateHarrisburg
ModerateYork
LowSources & Methodology
Tax rate data on this page is compiled from official government sources and updated for the 2026 tax year. Calculations follow the IRS-published 2026 federal tax brackets, FICA rates (6.2% Social Security up to $176,100 wage base, 1.45% Medicare), and Pennsylvania state tax provisions. Property tax estimates use Reading's median home value of $95,000and the local effective property tax rate of 1.93%.
- • Federal tax brackets and standard deductions: IRS.gov
- • State income tax rates and brackets: Pennsylvania Department of Revenue
- • Median household income, home value, and demographics: U.S. Census Bureau ACS
- • Cost of living comparisons: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics CES
- • National average benchmarks: Tax Foundation state-level tax burden studies
Disclaimer: Estimates are for informational purposes only. Actual tax liability depends on filing status, deductions, credits, and individual circumstances. Consult a licensed tax professional or your state revenue agency for binding tax guidance.
Reviewed by LevyIO Tax Research Team · Published 2026-01-15 · Last updated 2026-04-30
Calculate Your Full Pennsylvania Tax Burden
See detailed state tax brackets, FICA breakdown, and compare to neighboring states.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the tax rates in Reading, PA?
Reading, Pennsylvania has a state income tax rate up to 3.07%, plus a local income tax of 3.6%. The property tax rate is 1.93% and the combined sales tax rate is 6%. Reading city earned income tax of 3.6%; among highest in PA outside Philly
How much is property tax in Reading?
The effective property tax rate in Reading is 1.93%. On the median home price of $95,000, this equals approximately $1,833 per year or $153 per month. This is above the national average of 1.1%.
What is the sales tax rate in Reading?
The combined sales tax rate in Reading is 6%, which includes both state and local components. This is below the national average combined rate of approximately 7.12%.
How does Reading's tax burden compare to other cities?
Reading has a moderate overall tax burden. The effective total tax rate for a median-income household is approximately 27.8%. The combination of 3.07% state income tax, 1.93% property tax, and 6% sales tax determines the total burden. Cost of living index is 82.3 (100 = national average).
Are there any local taxes in Reading?
Yes. Reading imposes a local income tax of 3.6% in addition to the state income tax of 3.07%. Reading city earned income tax of 3.6%; among highest in PA outside Philly